Conservation Status

Although presently it is not legal to hunt Arctocephalus forsteri for fur or meat, they are still extremely threatened by human populations. They are subject to pollution, which affects their health in addition to actually physically trapping and drowning them. New Zealand fur seals are also inadvertantly caught in hoki nets that are set for other aquatic species. There have been observed increases in their population, however, in recently years at rates near 16-19%, and their numbers are quoted at being near 60,000. Fortunately, the future of Arctocephalus forsteri looks promising despite pollution and accidental catching (Forest and Bird Society).